2022 Spring Gear Guide

It’s March, ice and snow is melting off of docks, and spring sailing is getting underway everywhere you look! We’ve even had sub-40 temperatures at Florida regattas the last few weekends. Whether you’re hitting the water with high school and college sailing or as part of your local Frostbiting fleet, having the right gear is the best way to stay safe. If you’re not comfortable and safe, you’re not going to have any fun! For those high school and college sailors, there is a link at the bottom of this article with a discount code for free shipping and 15% off through April 10th.

The first two items here are new additions to my kit bag, and the remaining items are the perennial essentials that I use for spring sailing! Do you have a favorite piece of gear for these cold-water conditions? Let us know!

Aquafleece Neck Gaiter

• Is there anything worse than that drip of icy water down the back of your neck, halfway through your upwind leg, just knowing that it’s going to keep getting worse as the race goes on? I like to use the Rooster Aquafleece Neck Gaiter to add a nearly waterproof drawstring collar to other garments (especially when on the RC/coach boat), but there are tons of uses. Just ask the hundreds of motorcyclists that love them for their windproof design!

Safety Knife

• You know what’s impossible when it’s 34 degrees out, your fingers are wet, and you’ve just sailed for three hours in breeze? Untying something…better hope that you’re on shore replacing your Aero tie-down line, and not in an emergency scenario on the water. I’ve found myself using this Rooster Safety Knife for loads of applications this winter, and it now goes in the front pocket of my lifejacket before going frostbiting at Bristol Yacht Club. I like that there are no moving parts, and it’s wicked sharp.

Drysuit

• BACK IN STOCK! Your drysuit is your first and last line of defense against the cold water, and is an essential piece of gear for spring sailing. This will go over a combination of base layers and a sweater or two (no cotton!) to keep you warm and comfortable. I’m personally a big wimp when it comes to the cold, and am usually the first person putting my drysuit on each fall. Some folks prefer the tight fit of a wetsuit + spray top combo, but I’d rather be totally dry than svelte any day!

Wetsuit

• As the water gets warmer, folks will start transitioning to wearing wetsuits instead of drysuits. They’re less bulky, but provide less protection. Crucially, a wetsuit works best when actually wet by trapping a tiny layer of water between the neoprene and your skin; this thin layer gets heated up by your body, and prevents the cold from seeping in.The colder the ambient water temperature, the thicker wetsuit needed.
• We prefer the Zhik Microfleece V wetsuit, which combines traditional 1mm neoprene with a thin layer of microfleece to increase warmth. You can layer wetsuit pieces with base layers (see below), and finish with a Rooster Pro Lite Aquafleece Top for protection against wind. I prefer the skiff suit over the pants because it keeps the core just a bit more warm, and won’t fall down after a bad tack!

Base Layers

• Regardless of whether you’re wearing a wetsuit or drysuit, base layers are critical. Not only will the right ones provide the most warmth, but the wrong base layers capture sweat that turns into cold, wet fabric that makes it that much easier to call it a day early.
• A “hydrophobic” fabric helps address this by wicking sweat away from the body (and water, when layered under a wetsuit). Hydrophobic bottoms are great leggings for inside a drysuit or wetsuit, and I frequently pair a hydrophobic top with something like a Patagonia quarter-zip inside of my drysuit.

ICSA / ISSA Discount Code!

• Buying gear for high school or college sailing? Get free shipping in addition to 15% off. To get a Promo Code, please visit https://zimsailing.com/high-school-and-college-sailor-discount/ and fill out the form! Sale goes through April 10th, 2022.